Our Round the Island Race always tops off the Summer Season. A choppy swell made this race possibly the most difficult going in its 7 year history. All credit to Liam the Lifeguard (our usual winning swimmer) who made it round in 28 minutes and 3 seconds, second swimmer Paul Hatton (23 minutes 17 seconds) and to first woman Fiona Verney (25 minutes 14 seconds). But if it’s real speed, then a canoe has to be your baby: Charles Wakeford made it round in a lightening 11 minutes 46 seconds, just 4 seconds ahead of

Joe Wakeford with women’s canoe and third place Cathy Money in 14 minutes. For those not blessed with the physique of a demi-god, mortals made the swim in times between 40 minutes and an hour – and everyone got the same buzz from the race. Readers have been teased with mention of our Island forager, Darren Dickenson and now we can finally reveal the man behind the mystery (left). With Burgh Island suavity, Darren shows a seasonal haul of chanterelles, sea purslane, samphire and sea beets. All foraged produce is

put to good use with our plentiful haul of local fish and crustacea. Sample Conor’s “Frodo” recipe: conger eel, monkfish, saffron Vermouth bouillabaisse or try a poached crayfish, summer truffle (should Darren strike lucky), ricotta tortellini, apple and pecan nut salad.And with autumn drawing in, the fire is lit in The Pilchard, the curtains drawn in the Ball Room, the claret flowing, the celluloid spooled for afternoon showings of “Grand Hotel” and our fleet of wellies are ready for action.